Ekasi Podcast

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Today on Ekasi Podcast, we are excited to welcome Ibukunoluwa Omotola, a passionate Data Scientist and Mastercard Foundation Scholar currently pursuing an MSc in Data, Inequality and Society at the University of Edinburgh. Ibukun is committed to using technology and data to design frameworks that promote equitable access to education for marginalised people, particularly in Africa. 

With over six years of experience in software engineering, data analysis, and machine learning, she has contributed to projects across sectors, including education, aviation, health, and humanitarian work. Her impactful work includes initiatives on displacement trends, child malnutrition, disability inclusion, and psychosocial resilience in education. Drawing from her lived experience as a person with a physical disability, Ibukun is developing a tech-based solution to make high-quality education accessible to children whose needs are not met by traditional classrooms. 

Her story is one of advocacy, innovation, and empowermentcentred around the belief that every child deserves a quality education regardless of their background or ability. 

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In this episode of the Ekasi Podcast, host Julian Mashingaidze welcomes Oluwatosin Oludayo, a seasoned business analyst, mentor, and respected thought leader in the world of business analysis. With an academic background in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the University of Edinburgh Business School, Oluwatosin has built an impressive career across major public-sector institutions, including the Scottish Government and the London Borough of Hillingdon. He now steps into an exciting new chapter with the NHS Business Services Authority.

Oluwatosin’s influence extends far beyond his professional roles. As the co‑founder of BA Sphere Scotland, he has helped mentor more than 100 Black professionals transitioning into tech, leading impactful webinars, fellowship programmes, and community initiatives. His dedication to empowerment and representation has made him a standout figure both within and beyond the Mastercard Foundation community.

Julian and Oluwatosin explore his journey into business analysis, the pivotal role the Mastercard Foundation played in shaping his path, and the lessons he has learned while building a career rooted in service, leadership, and community upliftment.

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Today on Ekasi Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Muturi Njeri, a creative entrepreneur, researcher, and educator with a passion for design, storytelling, and development. Muturi is the Founder and Chief Designer of Thriving Fig Studio, an independent creative studio working at the intersection of education, design, and storytelling. With over a decade of experience across finance, education, and talent development, he has played key roles in both large organizations and start-ups, using creative innovation to drive impact. 

Muturi holds an MSc in International Development from the University of Edinburgh, where he was a Mastercard Foundation Scholar and recipient of the Sir William Darling Prize. He also studied Psychology, African Studies, and Writing at Colgate University in New York and is an alum of the African Leadership Academy in South Africa. His deep passion for Africa, entrepreneurship, and writing led him to co-found The African Youth Journals, an online interactive platform empowering African youth to connect and engage with issues shaping the continent. 

His work spans mentorship, research, and content creation, including collaborations with OXFAM, Equity Group Foundation, Kuza Biashara, and Kiva Microfunds. He has served as a speechwriter for Equity CEO Dr. James Mwangi and authored impactful pieces, including reflections on meeting the President and First Lady of Kenya.

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Joining us on the Ekasi Podcast is Elizabeth Njambi, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a Mastercard Foundation Scholar pursuing an MSc in Africa and International Development at the University of Edinburgh. Passionate about justice, education, and sustainable development, she is the founder of the Wakili.sha Initiative, a Kenyan organisation dedicated to promoting access to justice and education for children in conflict with the law. 

With over four years of experience at Oxfam International and extensive work in advocacy and programmatic development, Liz focuses on the intersection of climate change, education, and justice. She is also a Development Podcasting Strategist, leveraging storytelling to amplify critical conversations on inequality, justice, gender, and social impact through platforms such as the Wakili.sha Podcast, Swaiba Podcast, and the EQUALS Podcast (Oxfam International). 

Beyond her advocacy work, Liz is the Co-Founder of 2Paint Art, a wellness and education initiative. She serves as the Volunteers Coordinator at Think Circus SCIO, where she blends movement, play, and social connection to foster inclusion and well-being. Her inspiring journey exemplifies resilience, leadership, and a commitment to transformative impact.  

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Phenny Omondi is a Mastercard Foundation Scholar whose academic journey reflects her deep commitment to sustainable agriculture and climate action. She earned a BSc in Agricultural Engineering from EARTH University in Costa Rica, where she developed a strong foundation in agronomy and sustainability, and later pursued an MSc in International Development at the University of Edinburgh. These experiences not only broadened her global perspective but also shaped her vision for resilient food systems and the empowerment of smallholder farmers.

Building on this academic grounding, Phenny has accumulated substantial experience in agricultural development across East Africa and beyond. As a Field Knowledge Specialist with One Acre Fund, she led complex agronomy projects, including pilot initiatives on soil organic matter and lime adoption, and scaled programs on optimised maize seed variety recommendations, remote sensing-based planting date guidance, and social behaviour change communication for planting compliance.

In May 2024, she joined the Global FoodBanking Network (GFN) as the Agricultural Recovery Hub Director based in Kenya, where she helps food banks worldwide enhance and scale agricultural recovery efforts. Her work emphasizes the intersection of agriculture and climate action, with a particular focus on the critical role of smallholder farmers in fostering sustainable and resilient food systems.

Phenny’s leadership and dedication have been recognised internationally, including her selection as a 30under30 Elevating the Voice of Women in Agriculture (EVWA) Changemaker by the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens an honor that highlights her contributions to climate action and food security.

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Welcome to the launch of the 4th season of the Ekasi Podcast, we are excited to welcome Faithy Ngaira, the current Recruitment Coordinator at the Mastercard Foundation, @The University of Edinburgh. Faithy is an International Development professional, passionate about advancing education, gender equity, and opportunities for displaced and marginalised communities.

Faithy currently leads the recruitment for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh, which attracts over 7,000 applicants annually. She plays a critical role in designing and executing a rigorous, inclusive recruitment process to identify high-potential students and works to ensure that scholars are supported holistically throughout their journey.

Her experience spans roles in program management, research, and mentorship, equipping her with a rich perspective on how education transforms lives. Faithy’s commitment lies not only in selecting outstanding scholars but also in building partnerships that expand access and foster impact across Africa and beyond.

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In this episode Keitu Malatsi from the University of British Columbia in Canada comes to tell us of her experiences as an African student in a Canadian setting. We discuss on the mechanics of tokenism, the curium as well as tips for scholars navigating being a minority, so do tune in for a fun ride.

Executive Producer: Julian Mashingaidze

Music: Ifeanyichukwo Ezinmadu and Fraser MacDonald
Editing: Henry Anumudu

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Support the show

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